Local Flavor: Maine Wild Blueberry Weekend

When it comes to blueberries, bigger does not mean better.

Maine wild blueberries may be smaller than cultivated berries, but they really pack the punch, not only when it comes to flavor. Wild blueberries have 33 percent more brain healthy anthocyanins and twice the antioxidant capacity of ordinary blueberries, according to the Wild Blueberry Association of North America.

Cultivated blueberries have more watery pulp than wild blueberries, giving them less antioxidant-rich pigments from the skin, less fiber and less intense flavor per serving, according to the Wild Blueberry Association of North America. Wild blueberries also have a more complex flavor profile due to the naturally occurring diversity of plants in every field, compared to cultivated blueberries, with a few select genetic varieties.

Governor Janet Mills has declared Aug. 6 and 7 Wild Blueberry Weekend. Maine produces nearly 100 percent of all wild blueberries in the United States, and wild blueberries are one of the top three specialty crops produced in the state, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“I am proud to declare the second annual Wild Blueberry Weekend in Maine in celebration of our wild blueberries and in honor of the hardworking people who grow and bring them to markets near and far,” said Mills in a written statement. “I encourage everyone to visit one of the participating wild blueberry farms or to sample Maine-grown wild blueberry products at the many restaurants, ice cream shops, breweries, wineries, and distilleries selling them during Wild Blueberry Weekend.”

This year, Wild Blueberry Weekend will feature farm tours and other family-friendly activities at 14 wild blueberry farms located in Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Waldo and Washington counties. In addition, wild blueberry-themed menu items and products will be available throughout the weekend at nearly 50 statewide restaurants, ice cream shops, breweries, wineries, and distilleries. To see the full list of participants, visit www.wildblueberryweekend.com .

Liz Gotthelf is the publisher of Saco Bay News. She also loves to eat – and support local businesses. If you have any local restaurant or food news, she’d love to hear from you. Send her an email at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.